Why Doing This One Thing Is an Act of Love for My Body

I went for a workout yesterday.

Not because I hate my body.

Not because I “ate bad things.”

Not because I “need to lose weight.”

Not because I felt “fat” and “ugly.”

Not because I was worried about the calories I ate that day.

Not because swim suit season is coming up and I have to have a “bikini body.” Not for any of those reasons.

I went because it makes me feel good.

I went because my body loves it when I work out.

I went because I sleep better, have more energy and combat my depression when I work out.

I went because my diabetes is more controlled when I’m active. I went because I don’t want to let my diabetes stop me from reaching my goals.

I went because I love feeling strong. Fierce. Powerful.

I went because I want to model a healthy lifestyle for my daughter. I went because I want her to see that mama takes care of her health and makes it a priority.

I went because I want her to understand that her worth is not equated to her jean size. Neither should her mood be.

I went because she inspires me to try new things, to celebrate what my body can do, and to never give up when it gets hard.

I went because 10 years ago I had horrible body image and I never want to go back to that mindset. I went because 10 years ago I couldn’t look in the mirror without hateful things coming to mind.

I went because I love how my husband loves the way I carry myself after a workout. I went because I love that he calls me strong, and I want to live a long and healthy live with him.

I don’t work out any longer because of negative motivators. I work out because it makes me feel strong, happy, healthy and alive.

Follow this journey on the author’s blog.